What Are Sit-Stand Desks?

Sit-stand desks allow workers to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day. They are a popular solution for tackling the negative health impacts of sitting all day at a traditional desk, including obesity, heart disease and back pain.

A good sit-stand desk should help you feel refreshed and energized by allowing you to get up and move around regularly, says Fletcher Zumbusch, a physical therapist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California. That's especially true when working on a task that requires short bursts of energy, such as responding to emails or talking on the phone.

The best sit-stand desks also have a number of ergonomic features to help keep your arms and wrists in the correct position. In particular, people who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) may find that a stand-up desk helps them avoid wrist strain and pain.
They can also help you work faster when your keyboard and monitor are at eye level, which is better for your posture and for keeping blood flowing to the arms and fingers.

While the research on the benefits of standing desks isn't as strong as it once was, some studies have shown that employees who use a stand-up desk experience significant improvements in productivity, concentration, mood and overall wellbeing. In addition, the use of sit-stand desks is associated with a reduction in lower back pain, which can be a major pain factor for many office workers who spend all day sitting down.